Enteral Iron Supplementation in Preterm or Low Birth Weight Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the effects of enteral iron supplementation on mortality, morbidity, growth, and neurodevelopment in preterm or low birth weight infants fed human milk.
Results Summary
The study found little effect on infection or necrotising enterocolitis but noted an increase in linear growth and improvement in anemia. No significant effects were observed on weight, head circumference, cognitive development, or serum ferritin.
Population
Preterm or low birth weight infants fed human milk.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
enteral iron supplementation | no change | infection | preterm or LBW infants fed human milk | relative risk [RR] 0.98, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.56 to 1.73 | little effect on | #1 |
enteral iron supplementation | no change | necrotising enterocolitis | preterm or LBW infants fed human milk | RR 1.47, 95% CI 0.68 to 3.20 | little effect on | #2 |
enteral iron supplementation | increase | linear growth (length) | preterm or LBW infants fed human milk | mean difference 0.69 cm, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.37 | an increase in | #3 |
enteral iron supplementation | no change | weight | preterm or LBW infants fed human milk | - | little effect on | #4 |
enteral iron supplementation | no change | head circumference | preterm or LBW infants fed human milk | - | little effect on | #5 |
enteral iron supplementation | no change | cognitive development | preterm or LBW infants fed human milk | - | little effect on | #6 |
enteral iron supplementation | decrease | anemia | preterm or LBW infants fed human milk | RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.62 | an improvement in | #7 |
enteral iron supplementation | no change | serum ferritin | preterm or LBW infants fed human milk | - | no effect on | #8 |
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Iron is needed for growth and development of infants globally, but preterm and low birth weight (LBW) infants are at risk for severe iron deficiencies. To assess the effect of enteral iron supplementation on mortality, morbidity, growth, and neurodevelopment outcomes in preterm or LBW infants fed human milk. Secondary objectives were to assess the effect on biomarkers and dose and timing. METHODS: Data sources include PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases to March 16, 2021. Study Selection includes controlled or quasi experimental study designs. Two reviewers independently extracted data. RESULTS: Eight trials (eleven reports; 1093 participants, 7 countries) were included. No trials reported mortality. At latest follow-up, there was little effect on infection (very low certainty evidence, 4 studies, 401 participants, relative risk [RR] 0.98, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.56 to 1.73, I2 = 0.00%) and necrotising enterocolitis (3 studies, 375 participants, RR 1.47, 95% CI 0.68 to 3.20, I2 = 0.00%). There was an increase in linear growth (length) (moderate certainty evidence, 3 studies, 384 participants, mean difference 0.69 cm, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.37, I2 = 0%) but little effect on weight, head circumference, or cognitive development. There was an improvement in anemia (moderate certainty evidence, 2 studies, 381 participants, RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.62, I2 = 0.00%) but no effect on serum ferritin. Limitations include heterogeneity in the included studies. CONCLUSIONS: There are important benefits for human milk-fed preterm and LBW infants from enteral iron supplementation. However, more randomized control trials are required to improve the certainty of evidence.